The cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to cancel the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA).

The cabinet said the project was cancelled after it was observed that the LRT project is unable to achieve the desired results.

The cabinet of Ministers highlighted the following five (05) key reasons for the cancellation of the LRT System project.

• According to the basic plan of the project, it was proposed to introduce a Light Rail Service with facilities to travel along the overland railway tracks as an alternative mode of transport for those who arrive in Colombo for employment and other purposes by using private vehicles.

• However, the previous Government had taken the basic necessary steps to change that plan and implement the proposed Light Railway Transit System on a railway track built on towers that could cause severe environmental damage.

• It has been found that if the project is implemented, a large number of buildings including houses and business premises will have to be demolished and the cost of constructing the railway track on towers will be immense.

• It has been observed that the project is unable to provide the required facilities by the train which was expected to be implemented under the proposed Light rail Transit System as an alternative mode of transport to attract people who arrive in Colombo using private vehicles.

• Moreover, it has been found that if the proposed Light Rail Transit System has been implemented, it will incur a heavy operational cost.